Daffodil Day goes digital

 

Today is Daffodil day but with the Corona virus restrictions the Irish Cancer Society cannot run their events around the country, which in the past has helped raise huge amounts of much needed funding for local care services.

To make up for the loss, the Irish Cancer Society is looking for the public to donate by texting DAFFODIL to 50300 for a €4 donation.

Martina Lee Boyle, volunteer and Cavan co-ordinator, is urging others to get involved.

“Plant the seed to make a difference. We won’t stop until cancer does,” she said.

The Irish Cancer Society relies on public donations to fund 97% of its income, and needs to raise €4m on Daffodil Day alone.

Commenting on cancer screening uptake rates, Martina said she was surprised to learn that one in four eligible people don’t avail of free breast cancer screening; that figure is one in five for cervical cancer screening and a shocking six out of 10 for bower cancer screening.

“Screening for all cancers has the potential to save thousands of lives,” said Martina urging everyone to avail of the national screening programmes in place.

“One in 25 of us is a cancer survivor... There are more survivors now than ever before. People need to take responsibility and be proactive with their health care,” she said.

Funds raised on the day go to help fund research, provide night nurse services in the county for end of life care, the care to drive scheme, advocacy groups and a helpline among others.

Last year in Cavan, 450 people were diagnosed with cancer. There were 109 nights of care provided by nurses in the Breffni county to 29 patients. A total of 216 journeys to hospital appointments for 24 patients were facilitated via the volunteer driving service and 22 patients received travel care grants totalling €7,440. Grants are also awarded to Irish Cancer Society affiliated support centres to help towards providing counselling services for cancer patients and their families. For example, in Cavan, the Cuan Cancer Support Group is one such beneficiary.

“We all know someone who has been affected by a cancer diagnosis, so this is your chance to help in a practical way. Some of our volunteers have been there from the start and deserve a rest. Let’s continue the great work that they started,” encourages Martina.